Bristol dad takes part in martial arts challenge to raise funds for a life-changing operation for twin boys

A Bristol dad of two will be taking part next week (March 16) in a mixed martial arts (MMA) event to raise funds for life-changing surgery for two little boys with cerebral palsy.

Jake Dempster, a 26-year-old teaching assistant from Hartcliffe, plans to honour his big brother Mitchell - who passed away at the age of eight from cerebral palsy on Father's Day 20 years ago - by raising hundreds of pounds to help twin brothers Ronnie and Rory Gunby have a life-changing operation.

The twins were diagnosed with cerebral palsy and severe visual impairments at 11 months old, and Ronnie was diagnosed with epilepsy after his first seizure in September 2022 which led to him being put into an induced coma and several other seizures and hospital admissions.

Ronnie and Rory's cerebral palsy causes them pain and tightness in their muscles also known as spasticity, leading them to wake up several times a night in pain with stiff legs crying out for help. Rory can sit unaided for a few seconds and Ronnie is still unable to sit unaided, and neither of them can stand or walk like any child their age. 

The life-changing operation (Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy) would greatly reduce this muscle tightness and take away the pain they endure and after a few years of rehabilitation, the twins could move their bodies independently to live life using mobility aids to explore the world for themselves. 

Unfortunately, they do not meet the NHS criteria for this operation which is why they are aiming to fundraise £60,000 to pay for the operations, ongoing physiotherapy and rehabilitation, any housing adaptions that are needed and any equipment so they can live the most comfortable lives going forward, which Jake's fundraiser would contribute towards.

Jake will be taking part in the Ultra MMA showcase - whose events in Bristol have raised £123,487 for charities to date - on March 16 at Bristol’s Planet Ice.

Jake said: "This one feels special to me because it’s a charity very close to my heart. Mitchell was born with cerebral palsy and couldn’t talk or walk and had to be fed via a machine or peg. He was on the severe end of the condition.

"I didn’t know any different - he was my big brother who I loved and I just have memories of trying to help take care of him.

"[His death] was quite a big milestone for our family and that’s why now I am determined to bring some light to his memory and help two other little boys whose plight has really touched me.

"Every penny I raise will support The Gunby Twins appeal which is trying to raise £60,000 for surgery that the NHS cannot fund but that could dramatically change their lives."

Donations for Jake’s fundraiser for The Gunby Twins can be made here.

Tickets to the Ultra MMA event can be bought here.